Railing System

ABSTRACT

A railing system that employs adjoining panels supported by a substrate includes an anchor post which is connected to first and second base shoe sections that support adjoining panels. The post includes first and second portions pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis. The first and second portions have top ends opposite respective bottom ends, which are fixable to the substrate. The top end of the first portion is connected to the first base shoe section, and the top end of the second portion of the anchor is connected to the second base shoe section. The first and second portions are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis to set an angle between the first and second base shoe sections connected thereto so that those sections and the panels extend relative to one another in parallel or non-parallel directions based on the set angle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/844,330, filed May 7, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to railing systems, and more specifically, to railing systems employing barrier panels such as plate glass panels.

2. State of the Art

U.S. Pat. No. 6,964,410 to Hansen relates to a glass panel railing system that uses anchor posts that are set into a concrete slab and which extend above the concrete slab, as shown in FIG. 2 of Hansen. The anchor posts are spaced horizontally at regular intervals along a straight line. The anchor posts support a base shoe which is connected to the anchor posts with bolts. Each post has a single connector to connect to one base shoe section. Also, the posts connect to the base shoe at locations spaced inwardly from the ends of the base shoe so that the sections of base shoe connect directly to one another at their ends with dowel pins, as shown in FIG. 7 of Hansen. Glass panels are set into a groove formed in the base shoe. The base shoe supports and spaces the glass panels above the concrete slab to allow for drainage between the base shoe and the slab.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, further details of which are described hereinbelow, a railing system is provided that employs adjoining barrier panels supported by a substrate such as concrete floor or slab. The railing system includes at least one anchor post which is connected to first and second base shoe sections that support adjoining barrier panels. The anchor post includes a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis. It is expected that the pivot axis will be fixed in a vertical or near-vertical orientation during use. The first and second portions of the anchor post have top ends opposite respective bottom ends. The bottom ends of the first and second portions are configured to be secured into or rigidly fixed to the substrate during use. The top ends of the first and second portions are configured to be spaced above the substrate and connected to the first and second base shoe sections. Specifically, the top end of the first portion of the anchor is connected to the first base shoe section, and the top end of the second portion of the anchor is connected to the second base shoe section. The first and second portions of the anchor post are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis to set an angle between the first and second base shoe sections connected thereto. The first and second base shoe sections (together with the adjoining barrier panels supported by the first and second base shoe sections) can selectively extend relative to one another in an end-to-end manner in parallel or non-parallel directions based on the angle set between the first and second portions of the anchor post.

Owing to the features of the railing systems described herein, it is possible to construct a railing system where base shoe sections together with the adjoining barrier panels supported by the base shoe sections can extend along a straight path as well as a non-linear path. The non-linear path allows the adjoining barrier panels to be set at non-zero angles relative to one another so that they are not co-planar. Thus, the railing system in accordance with this disclosure can be used to follow a linear path or a non-linear path along a building or walkway, for example.

In embodiments, the barrier panels of the system are glass panels, where each glass panel is supported above a respective base shoe section. In embodiments, the system includes a securing means for securing each glass panel to a base shoe section. The securing means has an upper clamp and a lower clamp that are independently adjustable to align the glass panel with the vertical axis.

In embodiments, the range of pivoting motion between the first and second portions of the anchor post, and thus the range of angles between the adjoining base shoe sections and the range of angles between adjoining barrier panels, is between 0 and 25 degrees.

In embodiments, each base shoe section has a bottom that is vertically spaced above the substrate by the anchor post. This is beneficial to provide space that allows water and any other debris to pass below the base shoe sections.

In embodiments, the first and second portions of the anchor comprise a hinge that pivotally connects the first and second portions. In embodiments, the hinge has a positive stop structure that limits the angle between the first and second portions to a predetermined maximum angle (such as 25 degrees).

In embodiments, the first and second portions of the anchor post have respective inside surfaces that face one another and that are disposed opposite respective outside surfaces, wherein the connection between the first portion of the anchor post and the first base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the first portion of the anchor post, and wherein the connection between the second portion of the anchor post and the second base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the second portion of the anchor post.

In embodiments, the first portion of the anchor post includes a first set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a first line and the second portion of the anchor post includes a second set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a second line. In a closed configuration (where the first and second base shoe sections extend in parallel directions relative to one another), the first line and the second line are parallel to one another, and in an open configuration (where the first and second base shoe sections extend in non-parallel directions relative to one another), the first line and the second line are not parallel to one another.

In embodiments, the system includes at least one exterior cap section configured to connect to an exterior side of the at least one base shoe section, and at least one interior cap section configured to connect to an interior side of the at least one base shoe section.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the elements of the railing systems described herein may be supplied as a kit, including one or more barrier panels, base shoe sections, and anchor posts as discussed above. The barrier panels may be solid and, more specifically, may be glass panels (i.e., plate glass). In embodiments, the kit may include one or more aforementioned exterior cap sections and one or more interior cap sections.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling a railing includes providing a railing kit as discussed above, and setting the at least one anchor post of the kit into a corresponding hole formed in the substrate at a predetermined depth so that the upper end of the at least one anchor post is spaced above the substrate a predetermined distance. The method also includes setting the angle between the first and second portion of the at least one anchor post, fixing the at least one anchor post to the substrate, connecting the first base shoe section to the first portion of the at least one anchor post, and connecting the second base shoe section to the second portion of the at least one anchor post. Also, the method includes securing a first barrier panel to the first base shoe section, and securing a second barrier panel to the second base shoe section. The first and second barrier panels are secured so that they adjoin along their lateral sides forming a continuous surface across the first and second panels. The predetermined depth of the at least one anchor post disposes a bottom of the first and second base shoe sections in spaced relation above the substrate.

In embodiments, the method also includes providing a plurality of exterior cap sections, and connecting each exterior cap section to an exterior side of a respective one base shoe section each exterior cap section corresponding to one section of base shoe. Also, the method includes providing a plurality of interior cap sections and connecting each interior cap section to an interior side of a respective one base shoe section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a railing system in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, viewed from an interior.

FIG. 2A is a section view of railing system of FIG. 1 along section 2A-2A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a section view through the base shoe section of the railing system of FIG. 1 along section 2B-2B in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show sections of one anchor post of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C shows the sections of the anchor post of FIGS. 3A and 3B assembled together into an anchor post and shown in a fully closed position.

FIG. 3D shows the sections of the anchor post of FIGS. 3A and 3B assembled together into an anchor post and shown in a fully open position.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show sections of a second anchor post of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4C shows the sections of the anchor post of FIGS. 4A and 4B assembled together into an anchor post and shown in a fully closed position.

FIG. 4D shows the sections of the anchor post of FIGS. 4A and 4B assembled together into an anchor post and shown in a fully open position.

FIG. 5 shows anchor posts of FIGS. 3C and 3D and FIGS. 4C and 4D aligned with holes formed in a substrate.

FIG. 6 shows the anchor posts in FIG. 5 set into the holes formed in the substrate.

FIG. 7 shows the anchor posts in FIG. 6 secured to the substrate.

FIGS. 8 to 10A show assembly of base shoe sections to the secured anchor posts of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10B shows an exploded view of the portion of FIG. 10A labeled “10B”.

FIG. 10C shows an exploded view of the portion of FIG. 10A labeled “10C”.

FIG. 11 shows the connection of the external cap profiles to the base shoe sections shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C.

FIGS. 12 to 14 shows the connection of panels to the base shoe sections shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the connection of internal cap profiles to the base shoe sections in FIG. 14.

FIGS. 17A and 17B shows anchor posts of FIG. 3C arranged to form a ninety degree corner of a railing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a shows a railing system 100 in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be representative of a portion of a larger (i.e., longer) system 100. The railing system 100 includes one or more anchor post (e.g., 106, 108), which is connected to first and second base shoe sections 110 that support adjoining barrier panels 102 (e.g., solid panels formed of plate glass). The system 100 is configured to dispose the base shoe sections 110 at respective angles (θ₁, θ₂, θ₃) relative to one another so that the supported panels 102 extend relative to one another in an end-to-end manner (adjoining) in parallel or non-parallel directions based on the angle set between the base shoe sections 110. Additionally, as will be described in greater detail below, separate portions of the system system 100 may be arranged in one configuration to dispose the panels 102 at corners (e.g., ninety degree corners) shown, for example, in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

Anchor post 106 includes a first portion 106 a and a second portion 106 b, that are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis F-F (FIG. 5). Anchor post 108 includes a first portion 108 a and a second portion 108 b that are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis G-G (FIG. 5). It is expected that the pivot axes F-F and G-G will be fixed in a vertical or near-vertical orientation during use, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG. 2A shows a view through a first portion 106 a of anchor post 106, but sections through other portions of anchor post 106 and other portions of anchor post 108 would show corresponding features. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first portion 106 a of the anchor post has a top end 106 a′ opposite a respective bottom end 106 a″. The bottom end 106 a″ is secured into or rigidly fixed to the substrate 104 during use, as shown in FIG. 2A. The top end 106 a′ is spaced above the substrate 104 and is connected to a respective base shoe section 110. Specifically, the top end 106 a′ of the first portion 106 a of the anchor post 106 is connected to one base shoe section 110, and the top end 106 b′(FIG. 7) of the second portion 106 b of the anchor post 106 is connected to another base shoe section 110, as shown in FIG. 1.

The first and second portions 106 a, 106 b of the anchor post 106 are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis (e.g., F-F, FIG. 5) to set an angle between the respective base shoe sections 110 connected thereto. Likewise, the first and second portions 108 a, 108 b of the anchor post 108 are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis (e.g., G-G, FIG. 5) to set an angle between the respective base shoe sections 110 connected thereto. The base shoe sections (together with the adjoining barrier panels 102 supported by the base shoe sections 110 can selectively extend relative to one another in an end-to-end manner in parallel or non-parallel directions based on the angle set between the first and second portions 106 a, 106 b of the anchor post 106 and the angle set between the first and second portions 108 a, 108 b of the anchor posts 108. Further details of the system 100 are described below.

The panels 102 form a barrier between an interior region 103 (FIG. 2A) and an exterior region 105 (FIG. 2A). Each panel 102 has a top 102 a, a bottom 102 b (FIG. 2A), and two lateral sides or ends 102 c. The panels 102 adjoin side-by-side or end-to-end manner along their lateral sides or ends 102 c so that they form a continuous panelized barrier including panels 102 set at various angles relative to each other. Also, the panels 102 have an interior surface 102 d (facing the interior region 103) and an exterior surface 102 e (facing the exterior region 105), as shown in FIG. 2A.

The system 100 supports the adjoining panels 102 without structural vertical supports or posts otherwise connecting the adjoining lateral sides 102 c of the panels 102 together. That is, at least in one embodiment described herein, each panel 102 is supported vertically only from its bottom 102 b by a corresponding base shoe section 110, which is supported from below by at least one anchor post, such as posts 106 and 108. The anchor posts 106 and 108 structurally support the base shoe section 110 and the panels 102, but do not extend above the base shoe section 110. In the case of panels 102 made of glass, eliminating structural vertical supports between the adjoining lateral sides 102 c of the panels 102 may be preferred since it produces a continuous unobstructed visual field across the width of multiple adjoining panels 102.

FIG. 2A shows additional details of the components of the system 100 along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1, which extends through a panel 102, a corresponding base shoe section 110, and a post portion 106 a of anchor post 106. The base shoe section 110 has a generally L-shaped profile having a vertical portion 110 a and a horizontal portion 110 b, which generally extend perpendicular to one another. The post 106 has an interior facing surface 106 c and an exterior facing surface 106 d. As used herein, “interior” and “exterior” refer to directionality with respect to the interior and exterior regions 103 and 105 in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A shows the base shoe section 110 is fixed to the post 106 with interior and exterior connectors 112 a, 112 b, e.g., threaded fasteners such as screws and bolts. Though not shown in FIG. 2A, the base shoe section may 110 also be connected to post 108 also with connectors 112 a, 112 b. As shown in FIG. 2A, the posts 106 dispose a bottom of the base shoe section 110 so that the bottom of the panel 102 and the bottom of the base shoe section 110 are spaced from (i.e., elevated above) the substrate 104. This provides a gap or space for water and debris to pass under the base shoe section 110.

The panel 102 sits in a substantially vertical groove 110 c formed in the vertical portion 110 a of the L-shaped base shoe section 110. A U-shaped protective gasket 118 is arranged to wrap around the bottom 102 b and the interior and exterior surfaces 102 d, 102 e of the panel 102 and the gasket 118 is interposed between the vertical groove 110 c and the panel 102. The gasket 118 can cushion the panel 102 and prevent direct contact between the panel 102 and the base shoe section 110 and the connector 112 b. The vertical leg 110 a of the base shoe section 110 includes means for securing a panel 102 to the base shoe section 110. The securing means also includes means for adjusting an angle that the panel 102 makes with respect to the vertical axis A-A. In one embodiment, the means for securing the panel 102 includes the vertical leg 110 a and adjustment screws 120 a and 120 b. The vertical leg 110 a defines an upper threaded hole 110 d and a lower threaded hole 110 e that receive and retain corresponding adjustment screws 120 a and 120 b. When the adjustment screws 120 a and 120 b are threaded into the holes 110 d and 110 e they compress or clamp the panel 102 against the inside of the groove 110 c. The angle that the panel 102 makes with the vertical axis A-A (FIG. 2A) can be adjusted by adjusting the upper and lower screws 120 a and 120 b in and out of their respective holes 110 d and 110 e. Thus, for example, a user can adjust the screws 120 a and 120 b so that the panel 102 is substantially (+/−5 degrees) plumb.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the vertical portion 110 a of the base shoe section 110 has an interior surface 110 n′ and an exterior surface 110 m′. The horizontal portion 110 b of the base shoe section 110 has an interior surface 110 n″ and an exterior surface 110 m″. The horizontal portion 110 b extends horizontally between its interior surface 110 n″ and its exterior surface 110 m″. As shown in FIG. 2A, the system 100 may also include exterior cap sections 114, each of which attaches (e.g., snaps onto) to and covers the respective exterior sides 110 m′ (FIG. 2B) and 110 m″ (FIG. 2B) of the vertical portion 110 a and horizontal portion 110 b of a corresponding base shoe section 110. The system 100 may also include interior cap sections 116, each of which attaches (e.g., snaps onto) to and covers respective interior sides 110 n′ (FIG. 2B) and 110 n″ (FIG. 2B) of the vertical portion 110 a and horizontal portion 110 b of a corresponding base shoe section 110.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A, the vertical portion 110 a of the base shoe section 110 has a small groove 110 f configured to receive a complementary ridge 114 a formed in the top of the exterior cap section 114. Also, the horizontal portion 110 b of the base shoe section 110 defines a lower ridge 110 g which is engaged with a lower lip 114 b of the exterior cap section 114. The interior cap section 116 snaps over the interior sides of the vertical portion 110 a and horizontal portion 110 b of the base shoe section 110. The vertical portion 110 a of the base shoe section 110 defines a groove 110 h, which receives a ridge 116 a formed in the interior cap section 116. Also, the bottom of the horizontal portion 110 b of the base shoe section 110 defines a ridge 110 i about which a lip 116 b of the interior cap section 116 extends. The interior cap section 116 extends diagonally to provide a slope to direct rainwater away from the panel 102 and the base shoe section 110. The exterior and interior cap sections 114, 116 can create a seamless appearance along the exterior and interior surfaces 102 e, 102 d of the bottom of the various panels 102 of the railing system 100 and help to conceal connectors 120 a, 120 b, and 112 b and any gaps 111 (FIG. 10) between the ends of the base shoe sections 110 that are connected indirectly via the posts 106, 108, as shown in FIG. 10, for example.

The horizontal portion 110 b of the base shoe section 110 defines an inside hole 110 j and an outside hole 110 k. The inside and outside holes 110 j and 110 k are not centered about central axis A-A through the horizontal portion 110 b. Instead, the holes 110 j and 110 k are off-axis towards the interior surface 110 n″ (FIG. 2B). Also, the holes 110 j and 110 k align along an axis I-I (FIG. 8) that is perpendicular to an axis J-J (FIG. 8), which extends longitudinally along the length of each base shoe section 110. The connected anchor post portion 106 a is configured to be received and seated between the lower ridges 110 g and 110 i of the base shoe section 110 so that the interior holes 130 a/131 a (FIGS. 3A to 3D) align with interior holes 110 j of the base shoe section 110, and exterior holes 130 b/131 b (FIGS. 3A to 3D) align with exterior holes 110 k of the base shoe section 110, as shown in FIG. 2A. In one embodiment, the close fit between the anchor post 106 and the lower ridges 110 g and 110 i limits or prevents relative movement (i.e., horizontal movement) between the anchor post 106 and the base shoe section 110.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a view of the top of elongated post portions 106 a and 106 b shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7. The post portions 106 a and 106 b may be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, metal alloys) or other material with suitable material strength and have a uniform profile throughout their length having the form shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The portions 106 a and 106 b are configured to pivotally connect along vertical axis F-F (FIG. 5) by a hinge so that an angle between the portions 106 a and 106 b can be adjusted and set by a user, which can set the angle between adjacent base shoe sections 110 and panels 102.

Post portion 106 a has a base 130 with legs 132, 134 extending at substantially right angles from the base 130. The base 130 defines an interior hole 130 a and an exterior hole 130 b, which may be threaded to mate, respectively, with interior and exterior threaded connectors 112 a, 112 b. The centers of holes 130 a and 130 b align along axis B-B, which is also parallel to the surface of the base 130 shown in FIG. 3A.

Leg 132 extends from the base 130 to an end 132 a. The leg 132 tapers along an a outer surface 132 b from a shoulder 132 c to the end 132 a. The outer surface 132 b may be tapered in any manner and may be a convex surface as shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the shoulder 132 c may be at a mid-point along the length of the leg 132.

Leg 134 extends from the base 130 to an end 134 a. The leg 134 has a male projection or bead 134 b at the end 134 a. The male projection 134 b may extend longitudinally along the vertical length of the post portion 106 a, i.e., along axis F-F (FIG. 5). The leg 134 also has a shoulder 134 c at the base of the male projection 134 b. The shoulder 134 c provides a positive stop to limit the angle between portions 106 a and 106 b, further details of which are discussed below. The center of the male projection 134 b is horizontally aligned (along a midline X-X in FIG. 3C) with the shoulder 132 c, at the mid-point along the length of the leg 132.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the post portion 106 b has a base 131 with legs 133 and 135 extending at right angles to the base 131. The base 131 defines an interior hole 131 a, and exterior hole 131 b, which may be threaded to mate, respectively, with interior and exterior threaded connectors 112 a, 112 b. The centers of holes 131 a and 131 b align along axis C-C, which is parallel to the surface of the base 131 shown in FIG. 3B.

Leg 133 extends from base 131 to an end 133 a. The leg 133 defines a female channel 133 b that extends longitudinally along the vertical length of the post portion 106 b, i.e., parallel to axis F-F (FIG. 5). The female channel 133 b is configured to receive and pivotally connect with the male projection 134 b, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. Thus, the female channel 133 b and the male projection 134 b comprise portions of a hinge that permits relative rotation between portions 106 a and 106 b. The leg 133 defines a shoulder 133 c at the base of the channel 133 b. The shoulder 133 c provides a positive stop to limit the angle between portions 106 a and 106 b, further details of which are discussed below.

Leg 135 extends from base 131 to end 135 a. An inner surface 135 b adjacent to end 135 a is concave or otherwise tapered towards end 135 a and is configured to slide against complementary surface 132 b when the post portions 106 a and 106 b are pivotally connected and pivot about the hinged connection between male projection 134 b and female channel 133 b. The center of the female channel 133 b is horizontally aligned, (along the midline X-X in FIG. 3C) with the end 135 a of leg 135.

The portions 106 a and 106 b are pivotally connected along axis F-F (FIG. 5). The male projection 134 b of leg 134 may pivotally connect or interconnect with the female channel 133 b of leg 133 by vertically aligning the male projection 134 b with the female channel 133 a along axis F-F (FIG. 5) and axially (e.g., along axis F-F) sliding the male projection 134 b into the female channel 134 b until the top ends of the post portions 106 a and 106 b horizontally align, as shown in FIG. 5. When the male projection 134 b and female channel 133 b are pivotally connected, they form a hinge that permits post portion 106 a to pivot or articulate relative to post portion 106 b between a closed position (FIG. 3C) and a fully open position (FIG. 3D). Alternatively, the post portions 106 a and 106 b may be pivotally connected together by any other suitable hinge means.

For example, FIG. 3C shows post portions 106 a and 106 b connected together and in the closed configuration where the axes B-B and C-C are parallel to each other. In the closed configuration the end 135 a of leg 135 and shoulder 132 c of leg 132 adjoin along midline X-X, which extends horizontally across the midpoint of exterior-facing surface 106 d and interior-facing surface 106 c. This configuration can be used to connect two base shoe sections 110 together in a straight line, e.g., one base shoe section 110 connected to portion 106 a; and another base shoe section 110 connected to portion 106 b. Also, this configuration can be used to connect a single base shoe section 110 to both portions 106 a and 106 b of anchor post 106 with the axis J-J of the base shoe section 110 extending perpendicular to axes B-B and C-C, i.e., base shoe sections 110 extending 180 degrees apart from each other, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

The first and second portions 106 a, 106 b of the anchor post 106 have respective inside surfaces 136 (FIGS. 3A, 3C) and 137 (FIGS. 3B, 3C) that face one another and that are disposed opposite respective outside surfaces 138 (FIGS. 3A, 3C) and 139 (FIGS. 3A, 3C). In the closed configuration of the post 106 shown in FIG. 3C, the inside surfaces 136 and 137 enclose a hollow space having an area A₁₀₆. The holes 130 a and 130 b of portion 106 a are closer to the inside surface 136 than to the outside surface 138. Also, the holes 131 b and 131 a of portion 106 b are closer to the inside surface 137 than to the outside surface 139. In use, the space between the inside surfaces 136 and 137 is filled with material, such as concrete, when the post 106 is set in the substrate 104.

FIG. 3D shows post portions 106 a and 106 b connected together and in a fully open configuration where the end 135 a of leg 135 is rotated away from shoulder 132 c of leg 132 through an angle of about 25 degrees. As shown, the axes B-B (along which lie holes 130 b and 130 a) and C-C (along which lie holes 131 b and 131 a) are at an angle of about 25 degrees to one another. In FIG. 3D, the angle shown (about 25 degrees) is a maximum angle which is limited by the interference between the shoulders or stops 134 c and 133 c.

In embodiments, the hinge that pivotally connects the post portions 106 a and 106 b together permits free relative pivotal movement between the post portions 106 a and 106 b when the post 106 is not secured or otherwise fixed to a substrate, such as substrate 104 in FIG. 1. This can permit the post portions 106 a and 106 b to be relatively positioned in any open position between the closed position and the fully open position. In embodiments, either or both of the post portions 106 a and 106 b can both be rotated about the vertical axis F-F and relative to the midline X-X. Thus, in embodiments, to set an angle between the post portions 106 a, 106 b, one of the post portions, e.g., 106 a, may remain stationary and another one of the post portions, e.g., 106 b, can be rotated by a user relative to the stationary portion 106 a, e.g., 25 degrees. Alternatively, both of the portions 106 a and 106 b can be rotated about the vertical axis F-F and displaced equal or varying angular amounts relative to midline X-X, e.g., 5 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively.

When the post 106 is configured in any open position and portions 106 a and 106 b are connected to respective base shoe sections 110, the angle set between the post portions 106 a and 106 b determines the angle at which the base shoe sections 110 extend relative to one another. Between the fully open and closed positions, a user can set any specific angle between the portions 106 a and 106 b, and, thus, set any desired angle between holes 130 a/130 b along axis B-B and holes 131 a/131 b along axis C-C, which can connect to different base shoe sections 110 extending at an angle relative to one another. Thus, it is possible to set the angle (e.g., θ₂, FIG. 1) between two base shoe sections 110 (and panels 102) by adjusting and setting the angle between the post portions 106 a, 106 b, and their holes 130 a/130 b and holes 131 a/131 b.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a view of the top of elongated post portions 108 a and 108 b shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. FIG. 4A shows elements of portion 108 a that correspond to features of portions 106 a. In FIG. 4A, elements corresponding to those of portion 106 a are incremented by “10”. The centers of interior and exterior holes 140 a, 140 b align along an axis D-D that is parallel to the surface of the base 140. FIG. 4B shows elements of portion 108 b that correspond to features of portions 106 b. In FIG. 4B, elements corresponding to those of portion 106 b are incremented by “10”. The centers of interior hole 141 a and exterior hole 141 b align along an axis E-E that is parallel to the surface of the base 141. Similar to the arrangement between post 106 and base shoe section 110 in FIG. 2A, the assembled anchor post 108 is configured to be received between the lower ridges 110 g and 110 i of the base shoe section 110 so that the interior holes 140 a/141 a align with interior holes 110 j of the base shoe section 110 and exterior holes 140 b/141 b align with exterior holes 110 k of the base shoe section 110 when the base shoe section 110 is placed over an assembled anchor post portion 108 a or 108 b.

The portions 108 a and 108 b are pivotally connected along axis G-G (FIG. 5). The male projection 144 b of leg 144 may pivotally connect with the female channel 143 b of leg 143 by vertically aligning the male projection 144 b with the female channel 143 a along axis G-G (FIG. 5) and axially (e.g., along axis G-G) sliding the male projection 144 b into the female channel 144 b until the top ends of the post portions 108 a and 108 b horizontally align, as shown in FIG. 5. When the male projection 144 b and female channel 143 b are pivotally connected, they form a hinge that permits post portion 108 a to pivot or articulate relative to post portion 108 b between a closed position (FIG. 4C) and a fully open position (FIG. 4D). Alternatively, the post portions 108 a and 108 b may be pivotally connected together by any other suitable hinge means.

For example, FIG. 4C shows post portions 108 a and 108 b connected together and in a closed configuration where the bases 140 and 141 are parallel to each other. In the closed configuration the end 145 a of leg 145 and shoulder 142 c of leg 142 adjoin along midline Y-Y, which extends horizontally across the midpoint of exterior-facing surface 108 d and interior-facing surface 108 c. The closed configuration of post 108 can be used to connect two base shoe sections 110 together in a straight line, i.e., base shoe sections 110 extending 180 degrees apart from each other, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

The first and second portions 108 a, 108 b of the anchor post 108 have respective inside surfaces 146 (FIGS. 4A, 4C) and 147 (FIGS. 4B, 4C) that face one another and that are disposed opposite respective outside surfaces 148 (FIGS. 4A, 4C) and 149 (FIGS. 4A, 4C). In the closed configuration of the post 108 shown in FIG. 4C, the inside surfaces 146 and 147 enclose a hollow space having an area Aux The holes 140 a and 140 b of portion 108 a are closer to the inside surface 146 than to the outside surface 148. Also, the holes 141 b and 141 a of portion 108 b are closer to the inside surface 147 than to the outside surface 149. In use, the space between the inside surfaces 146 and 147 is filled with material, such as concrete, when the post 108 is set in the substrate 104.

FIG. 4D shows post portions 108 a and 108 b connected together and in a fully open configuration where end 145 a of leg 145 is rotated away from shoulder 142 c of leg 132 through an angle of about 25 degrees. As shown, the axes D-D (along which lie holes 140 b and 140 a) and E-E (along which lie holes 141 b and 141 a) are at an angle of about 25 degrees to one another. In FIG. 4D, the angle shown (about 25 degrees) is a maximum angle which is limited by the interference between the shoulders or stops 144 c and 143 c.

In embodiments, the hinge that pivotally connects the post portions 108 a and 108 b together permits free relative pivotal movement between the post portions 108 a and 108 b between the closed and the fully open configurations. This can permit the post portions 108 a and 108 b to be relatively positioned in any open position between the closed position and the fully open position. In embodiments, either or both of the post portions 108 a and 108 b can both be rotated about the vertical axis G-G and relative to the midline Y-Y. Thus, in embodiments, to set an angle between the post portions 108 a, 108 b, one of the post portions, e.g., 108 a, may remain stationary and another one of the post portions, e.g., 108 b, may be rotated by a user relative to the stationary portion 108 a, e.g., 25 degrees. Alternatively, both of the portions 108 a and 108 b can be rotated about the vertical axis G-G and displaced equal or varying angular amounts relative to midline Y-Y, e.g., portion 108 a may be rotated 5 degrees away from midline Y-Y, and portion 108 b may be rotated 20 degrees away from midline Y-Y.

When the post 108 is configured in any open position and portions 106 a and 106 b are connected to respective base shoe sections 110, the angle set between the post portions 108 a and 108 b determines the angle at which the base shoe sections 110 extend relative to one another. Between the fully open and closed positions, a user can set any specific angle between the portions 108 a and 108 b, and, thus, set any desired angle between holes 140 a/140 b and holes 141 a/141 b, which can connect to different base shoe sections 110 extending at an angle relative to one another. Thus, it is possible to set the angle (e.g., θ₁, θ₃, FIG. 1) between two base shoe sections 110 (and panels 102) by adjusting and setting the angle between the post portions 108 a, 108 b, and their holes 140 a/140 b and holes 141 a/141 b.

One notable difference between anchor posts 106 and 108 are the positions of their inside and outside holes relative to their hinges formed by male protrusions and female channels. For example, in comparing posts 106 and 108 shown in FIGS. 3C and 4C, the holes 131 b, 130 b, 131 a, and 130 a are off-axis to the right (towards the hinge formed by male protrusion 134 b and female channel 133 b) of midline M-M (FIG. 3C), whereas the holes 141 a, 140 a, 141 b, and 140 b are off-axis to the left (away from the hinge formed by the male protrusion 144 b and female channel 143 b) of midline N-N (FIG. 4C). That is, the inside and outside hole pattern of post 108 is reversed from the inside and outside hole pattern of post 106. The aforementioned differences between the locations of the inside and outside holes of posts 106 and 108 mean that the hinges of each post 106 and 108 cannot be on the same side of the panels 102 of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the hinges of posts 108 are on the outside surface 108 d of the post 108 and face the exterior, whereas the hinges of posts 106 are on the inside surface 106 c of the post 106 and face the interior.

In one example, in the closed configurations shown in FIGS. 3C and 4C, the anchor posts 106 and 108 have the same overall dimensions, e.g., width “W” of about 96 mm+/0.5 mm and a height “H” of about 76 mm+/−0.5 mm. Thus, both posts 106 and 108 have a rectangular outer profile in their closed configurations. As shown in FIG. 3C, the midline X-X extends through the shoulder 132 c and the center of the male protrusion 132 b. Thus, the height of the shoulder 132 c and the height of the center of the male protrusion 132 b are equal to one half of the height H, i.e., about 38 mm+/−0.5 mm. Also, as shown in FIG. 4C, the midline Y-Y extends through the shoulder 142 c and the center of the male protrusion 142 b. Thus, the height of the shoulder 142 c and the height of the center of the male protrusion 142 b are equal to one half of the height H, i.e., about 38 mm +/−0.5 mm, which are the same dimensions as the corresponding elements of anchor post 106. When the inside surfaces of both anchor posts 106 and 108 are aligned over one another (i.e., with the hinge of post 106 facing the interior region 103 and the hinge of post 108 facing the exterior region 105). Thus, when constructing a straight portion of the railing system 100, anchor posts 106 and 108 can be used interchangeably, though with the hinge of post 106 facing the interior and the hinge of post 108 facing the exterior.

FIGS. 5 to 16 show details of a workflow for constructing the railing system 100. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of posts including three posts: one post 106; and two posts 108. The two posts 108 and post 106 are shown to provide support for a plurality of base shoe sections including a first and a second base shoe section 110 that can be set at an angle θ₂ shown in FIG. 1. The posts 106 and 108 may be pre-cut to a predetermined length based on a predetermined depth or predetermined range of depths that the posts will be set into the substrate 104, as well as desired spacing of the base shoe section 110 above the substrate 104.

Each of the posts 108 is vertically aligned with axis G-G in a corresponding one of holes 160 a and 160 c that are formed in the substrate 104. Post 106 is vertically aligned with axis F-F in a corresponding hole 160 b that is formed in the substrate 104. For example, the substrate 104 may include a preexisting concrete slab that may be drilled to form the holes 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c. Alternatively, the substrate 104 may include a newly poured slab in which the holes have been defined by concrete forms.

Posts 108 are horizontally aligned along an axis H-H (FIG. 5). However, posts 108 do not align with post 106 along axis H-H. Instead, hole 160 a and 160 b align along a line 162 and hole 160 a and hole 160 c align along line 164. The angle between lines 162 and 164 is an interior angle θ₂ between panels 102 shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the posts 106 and 108 are introduced into their corresponding holes 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c. Specifically, the posts 106 and 108 are positioned so that their interior-facing surfaces 106 c and 108 c are closer to axis B-B than their exterior-facing surfaces 106 d and 108 d. Then, the angles between the post portions 106 a, 106 b and 108 a, 108 b of each post 106, 108 are set by the user, as shown in FIG. 6. The angles between the post portions 106 a and 106 b and the angle between post portions 108 a and 108 b are set so that the axis B-B (of holes 130 b and 130 a) and axis D-D (of holes 140 a and 140 b) are perpendicular to line 162 (axes B-B and D-D oppositely face one another) and axis C-C (of holes 131 a and 131 b) and axis E-E (of holes 141 a and 141 b) are perpendicular to line 164 (axes C-C and E-E oppositely face one another), as shown in FIG. 5.

Once the angles between the post portions 106 a and 106 b, and between post portions 108 a and 108 b are set, the posts 106 and 108 are fixed to the substrate, such as by filling the around the post portions 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b in the holes 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c with concrete or other suitable material (e.g., high strength grout), as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper ends 108 a′, 108 b′, 106 a′, and 106 b′ are spaced above the substrate 104. Thus, the posts 106 and 108 all protrude upwards from the substrate 104. The concrete or other material also fills in around the inside surfaces 136, 146 and outside surfaces 138, 139, of the posts 106, 108 to reinforce the posts in the holes 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c. Once the posts 106 and 108 are fixed to the substrate 104 the angle between portions 106 a and 106 b, and between portions 108 a and 108 b is also fixed.

Once the posts 106 and 108 are fixed, the angle between the portions 106 a/106 b and 108 a/108 b fixes the axes B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E in space so that those portions can be connected to the base shoe sections 110, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10. The base shoe sections 110 are cut or pre-cut to length to fit between neighboring posts 106 and 108 along lines 162 and 164 in FIG. 5. The ends of the base shoe sections 110 can be miter cut (i.e., with mitered ends), as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C. Alternatively, the ends of the base shoe sections 110 can be straight cut (i.e., without mitered ends) to facilitate construction and connection of the base shoe sections 110 to the anchor posts 106 and 108. As shown in FIG. 8, a section of base shoe 110 is set over and onto the tops of adjacent post portions 106 a, 108 a of neighboring posts 106 and 108 along line 162. When the axis J-J of base shoe section 110 aligns with line 162, for example, the interior holes 130 a, 131 a of post 106 and exterior holes 130 b, 131 b of post 106 will align, respectively, with interior and exterior holes 110 j, 110 k in the base shoe section 110, and the interior holes 140 a, 141 a of post 108 and exterior holes 140 b, 141 b of post 108 will align, respectively, with the interior and exterior holes 110 j, 110 k in the base shoe section 110 when the axis J-J of the base shoe sections 110 aligns with line 162.

Interior holes 110 j in the ends of the base shoe section 110 align with the interior holes 130 a and 140 a of the respective post portions 106 a and 108 a, so that connectors 112 a are inserted into the aligned interior holes and tightened to secure the base shoe section 110 to the posts 106. Exterior holes 110 k in the ends of the base shoe section 110 align with the exterior holes 130 b and 140 b of the respective post portions 106 a and 108 a, so that connectors 112 b are inserted into the aligned exterior holes and tightened to secure the base shoe section 110 to the posts 106. FIGS. 9 and 10 show additional base shoe sections 110 connected to the posts 106 and 108. The ends of base shoe sections 110 in the example embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 to 10C do not directly connect, and, thus, there may be spaces or gaps 111 (FIG. 10) between the ends of the adjacent base shoe sections 110 connected to posts 106 and 108. That is, the ends of base shoe sections 110, at least in one embodiment, may not directly contact or connect to one another, but may join together only indirectly via the posts 106 and 108 creating a joint that may have a gap or space 111 (FIGS. 10A and 10C) between the ends of the base shoe sections 110.

FIG. 11 shows exterior cap sections 114 are attached over the exterior sides 110 m′ and 110 m″ of the base shoe sections 110. Each exterior cap section 114 snaps onto the exterior sides 110 m′ and 110 m″ of a corresponding base shoe section 110, as discussed above. The lateral ends 114 a, 114 b of the exterior cap sections 114 are connected so that their ends adjoin to conceal the gaps or spaces 111.

Once the exterior cap sections 114 are attached to the base shoe sections 110, the panels 102 are placed into respective grooves 110 c of the base shoe sections 110. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the bottoms of the panels 102 are surrounded by the gasket 118 and then inserted into the grooves 110 c. FIGS. 13 and 14 show additional panels 102 being inserted. FIG. 14 also shows that a user can adjust the vertical angle of the panels 102 by adjusting screws 120 a and 120 b so that the side edges of the panels 102 align and the panels 102 are substantially (+/−5 degrees) plumb.

Once the panels 102 are connected to the base shoe sections 110 and the screws 120 a and 120 b are adjusted, the interior cap sections 116 can be attached to the base shoe sections 110 over the interior sides 110 n′ and 110 n″, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Lateral ends 116 a, 116 b of the interior cap sections 116 are connected so that the ends adjoin to conceal the gaps 111 or spaces, as shown in FIG. 16. Thus, when connected to the base shoe sections 110 and to each other, the interior cap sections 116 can provide a seamless and continuous appearance between interior cap sections 116 at the base of the panels 102 on the interior sides of the panels 102. Also, the interior cap sections 116 can protect the connectors 112 b, 120 a, and 120 b from the elements, as well as limit access to prevent further unauthorized intervention. Upon installation of all of the interior cap sections 116, the assembly of the railing system 100 is complete, as shown in FIG. 1. Once the railing system is complete, all of the panels 102 adjoin end-to-end at their lateral sides 102 c forming a continuous panelized barrier with the panels 102 disposed at various angles relative to one another.

FIG. 17A illustrates portions of the system 100 arranged so that panels 102 can be disposed ninety degrees apart at a corner. To achieve the corner configuration shown In FIG. 17A, configuration of the panels 102, as shown in FIG. 17B, portions 106 a and 106 b of two anchor posts 106 are arranged in the closed configuration and fixed to the substrate 104 so that the inside surfaces 106 c of the two anchor posts 106 are perpendicular to one another. Specifically, the axes C-C (through holes 131 b and 131 a) of the two anchor posts 106 shown in FIG. 17B are arranged perpendicular to one another. Each base shoe section 110 shown in FIG. 17 is arranged over both portions 106 a and 106 b of a corresponding one of the two anchor posts 106 so that outside holes 110 k in the base shoe section 110 align with the outside holes 130 b and 131 b of the anchor post 106, and inside holes 110 j in the base shoe align with inside holes 130 a and 131 a in the anchor post 106.

While both portions 106 a and 106 b are covered by and connected to the same continuous base shoe section 110, this is not required. Indeed, each base shoe section 110 shown in FIG. 17B could be replaced by two base shoe sections 110 having straight ends joined (butted up against each other) by portions 106 a, 106 b at each respective anchor posts 106. In FIG. 17, the adjacent ends of the base shoe section 110 at the corner are mitered at a 45 degree angle so that the ends of the base shoe section 110 as well as the ends of the panels 102 are in contact with one another, or, alternatively closely spaced apart.

In alternate embodiments, the angle between the base shoe sections 110 in FIG. 17B can be other than ninety degrees by changing the angle of the mitered ends of the base shoe sections 110 and by rearranging the posts 106 in their closed configuration. For example, each of the posts 106 in their closed configuration can be rotated about their vertical axis to change the angle between the respective axes C-C of the posts 106. Thus, the anchor posts 106 or 108 can be used in their closed configurations to form corners of various interior angle.

There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a railing system and a method of assembling the railing system. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular base shoe profiles have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other profiles may be used as well. In addition, while particular types of panel materials have been disclosed, it will be understood that any panel material can be used. For example, and not by way of limitation, wood, metal, glass, stone. Also, while particular angular ranges have been disclosed for angle between anchor post portions, it will be appreciated that other ranges are possible by adjusting the location of the positive shoulders stops. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A railing system that employs adjoining barrier panels supported by a substrate, the system comprising: at least one anchor post connected to first and second base shoe sections that support adjoining barrier panels, the anchor post having a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, the first and second portions of the anchor post having top ends opposite respective bottom ends, the bottom ends of the first and second portions configured to be fixed to the substrate during use, the top ends of the first and second portions configured to be spaced above the substrate and connected to the first and second base shoe sections, wherein the top end of the first portion of the anchor is connected to the first base shoe section at a first connection, and the top end of the second portion of the anchor is connected to the second base shoe section at a second connection, and wherein the first and second portions of the anchor post are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis to set an angle between the first and second base shoe sections connected thereto.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: first and second adjoining glass barrier panels, the first glass barrier panel supported by the first base shoe section and the second glass barrier panel supported by the second base shoe section, wherein the first and second base shoe sections, together with the adjoining glass barrier panels supported by the first and second base shoe sections, selectively extend relative to one another in an end-to-end manner in parallel or non-parallel directions based on the angle set between the first and second portions of the anchor post.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is configured to be fixed in a vertical or near-vertical orientation during use.
 4. The railing system according to claim 2, further comprising: a securing means for securing each glass barrier panel to a base shoe section, wherein the securing means has an upper clamp and a lower clamp that are adjustable to align the respective glass panel with the vertical axis.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: a range of pivoting motion between the first and second portions of the anchor post, and the range of angles between the adjoining base shoe sections and the range of angles between adjoining barrier panels, is between 0 and 25 degrees.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: each base shoe section has a bottom that is vertically spaced above the substrate by the at least one anchor post.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second portions of the anchor post comprise a hinge that pivotally connects the first and second portions.
 8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the hinge has a positive stop structure that limits the angle between the first and second portions to a predetermined maximum angle.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the first and second portions of the anchor post have respective inside surfaces that face one another and that are disposed opposite respective outside surfaces, wherein the first connection between the first portion of the anchor post and the first base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the first portion of the anchor post, and the second connection between the second portion of the anchor post and the second base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the second portion of the anchor post.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: the first portion of the anchor post includes a first set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a first line and the second portion of the anchor post includes a second set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a second line, wherein in a closed configuration of the anchor post where the first and second base shoe sections extend in parallel directions relative to one another, the first line and the second line are parallel to one another, and in an open configuration where the first and second base shoe sections extend in non-parallel directions relative to one another, the first line and the second line are not parallel to one another.
 11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one exterior cap section configured to connect to an exterior side of the at least one base shoe section; and at least one interior cap section configured to connect to an interior side of the at least one base shoe section.
 12. A railing kit that employs adjoining barrier panels supported by a substrate, the kit comprising: one or more barrier panel, each barrier panel having a top, a bottom, and opposed lateral sides; one or more elongated base shoe section configured to support the one or more barrier panel to adjoin at their lateral sides; one or more anchor post configured to connect to the one or more base shoe section, each anchor post having a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, the first and second portions of the anchor post having top ends opposite respective bottom ends, the bottom ends of the first and second portions configured to be fixed to the substrate during use, the top ends of the first and second portions configured to be spaced above the substrate and configured to connect to respective base shoe sections, wherein the top end of the first portion of the anchor is configured to connect to a first base shoe section at a first connection, and the top end of the second portion of the anchor is configured to connect to a second base shoe section at a second connection, and wherein the first and second portions of the anchor post are configured to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis.
 13. The railing kit according to claim 12, wherein: the one or more barrier panel is glass.
 14. The railing kit according to claim 12, wherein: the first and second portions are connected by a hinge.
 15. The kit according to claim 12, further comprising: at least one exterior cap section configured to connect to an exterior side of a respective base shoe section; and at least one interior cap sections configured to connect to an interior side of a respective base shoe section.
 16. The kit according to claim 12, wherein: the first and second portions of the anchor post have respective inside surfaces that face one another and that are disposed opposite respective outside surfaces, wherein the first connection between the first portion of the anchor post and the first base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the first portion of the anchor post, and the second connection between the second portion of the anchor post and the second base shoe section is closer to the inside surface than the outside surface of the second portion of the anchor post.
 17. The kit according to claim 12, wherein: the first portion of the at least one anchor post includes a first set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a first line and the second portion of the at least one anchor post includes a second set of linearly spaced holes aligned along a second line, wherein in a closed configuration of the anchor post, the first line and the second line are parallel to one another, and wherein in an open configuration of the anchor post, the first line and the second line are not parallel to one another.
 18. A method of assembling a railing comprising: providing a kit according to claim 12; setting the anchor post into a corresponding hole formed in the substrate at a predetermined depth so that the upper end of the at least one anchor post is spaced above the substrate a predetermined distance; setting the angle between the first and second portions of the anchor post; after setting the anchor post and the angle, fixing the at least one anchor post to the substrate to thereby fix the set angle; connecting the first base shoe section to the first portion of the at least one anchor post; connecting the second base shoe section to the second portion of the at least one anchor post; securing a first panel of the plurality of panels to the first base shoe section; and securing a second panel of the plurality of panels to the second base shoe section, wherein the first and second panels adjoin end-to-end along lateral sides forming a continuous panelized barrier across the first and second panels, and wherein the predetermined depth of the at least one anchor post disposes a bottom of the first and second base shoe sections in spaced relation above the substrate.
 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: providing a plurality of exterior cap sections, each exterior cap section corresponding to one section of base shoe, each exterior cap section configured to connect to an exterior side of a respective one base shoe section; and connecting each exterior cap section to an exterior side of a respective one base shoe section; providing a plurality of interior cap sections, each interior cap section corresponding to one section of base shoe, each interior cap section configured to connect to an interior side of a respective one base shoe section; and connecting each interior cap section to an interior side of a respective one base shoe section.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: securing the first and second panels includes aligning the first panel and the second panel with a vertical axis. 